Labour - Epidural for pain relief

Insertion of an epidural catheter at the lower back to relieve labour pain

Speciality Obstetrics, Pain Therapy
Urgency elective, urgent
Duration 20 to 45 min
Blood Loss none
Anaesthesia Monitoring only, Local Anaesthetic
Pain mild (+)
Post-op Pain Epidural Infusion 1-3 days
Hospital Stay 1 to 2 days
Full Recovery 1 to 7 days
Additional Info Epidural insertion ideally at cervical dilation of 2-4 cm, but can be performed at any stage of labour / It might not be possible if too close to delivery, e.g. expected delivery within 30 minutes

Specialities